MOUNTAIN WEST FOOTBALL 2012: FIVE GAMES TO WATCH

OK, this isn’t technically a Mountain West game, but this will be an early litmus test of the new-look Broncos’ mettle. If the defense can hold up against Mark Dantonio’s team, and if new quarterback Joe Southwick can prove himself a worthy fill-in for Kellen Moore, this team will go a long way.

2: San Diego State at Fresno State, Sept. 29

This game is the longest-standing rivalry in SDSU football history. The teams have played 51 times, with SDSU leading 27-20-4. The Aztecs beat the Bulldogs by a touchdown last year. With the Aztecs moving to the Big East in 2013, tune in for what might be the final edition of the rivalry for a while.

3: Navy at Air Force, Oct. 6

The service academies always play one another tough. But things got particularly heated between Navy and Air Force in 2011 when the Mids hosted the Falcons, only to lose 35-34 in overtime. They’ll be looking to avenge themselves in Colorado Springs this year.

4: San Diego State at Boise State, Nov. 3

Early-season prognostication indicates that if the Aztecs have a chance in hell at the Mountain West title, they need to knock off the Broncos. Note that Boise State beat SDSU 52-35 last year in its first-ever game against the Aztecs.

5: San Diego State at Wyoming, Nov. 24

Wyoming’s defense put up three tough stands against SDSU in the fourth quarter in 2011 to deny SDSU a win at Qualcomm Stadium. This time around, the Aztecs go up to Wyoming with the goal of stealing a win against a very good Cowboys team before they move to the Big East.